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SHOW REVIEW |
Our early-bird preview of the Ellerslie Flower Show, from Judy Bailey and colleague Richard Long in a vegetable portrait to winning gardens and displays. See our photographs of Ellerslie and also our own stand.
The 2001 Ellerslie Flower Show is as packed with inspiration, ideas and even more exhibits than previous Shows.
Award-winning UK garden designer and principal judge Julian Dowle says the quality of exhibits this year is extremely high and many would win awards at any show in the world.
"The annual Ellerslie Flower Show is now firmly established on the international horticultural calendar as a world-class, not-to-be-missed event.
"This year, the overall standard of exhibits is even higher than previously, as shown by the fact that every single garden in the Mercedes-Benz Design Marquee won an award. The TV One Outdoor Gardens are also spectacular."
A total of 17 golds, 24 silvers and 24 bronze medals were awarded by judges today - 65 in total, compared to 61 last year.
TV One Outdoor Gardens
With more outdoor gardens than ever, (18 gardens, 4 more than last year) Ellerslie gives us an insight into the direction of garden design. And the trend is to more towards colour, towards flowers and with less minimalism in our gardens.
This year even the minimalist gardens had flowers this year. Jamie Durie's mammoth timbers and fascinating curves were grounded with a mass of pink cosmos.The minimalist Palmers garden in the Grand marque has bands of bright yellow French marigolds.
The British Tourist Authority's 'Formal garden', designed by Fiona Lawrenson is frankly traditional and flower filled. Winner of a gold medal the garden uses topiary spirals, water and a classic garden bench to set of beautiful traditional borders.
A real crowd-puller is the rainbow of colour in the Terraces nursery Iris and Peony garden. From the lovely colours of day lilies in Riverview Nurseries garden to wildflowers in the 'Wild Flower Ranch'. This year there are flowers everywhere.
Some gardens include an element of fun - the Auckland City Council garden has monster heads hidden in the foliage. Marks Lawn and Landscaping have a rainbow dingy in a scene typical of the kiwi beach or bush holiday bach.
There was a lot of use of native plants. From the bank of titoki trees in the LIANZ 's striking dining setting garden, the native cubes by Naturally Natives.
Manuaku City Council will be back with a 'yin and yang' garden, the dark side of the garden will feature a stylised forest scene with a massive silver water feature and pacific sculptures. The light side will feature a surreal rolling countryside and and a water feature. A green grass path will create a line between the two. |
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Beach and Bush Holidays
English Formal Garden
Gold Medal winning British Tourism's garden at Ellerslie 2001
The Terraces Iris and Peony Garden
Jamie Durie's 'Garden Trails'
LIANZ dinner with a difference
Peace Foundation's Zen Garden
Auckland City Council's Garden | | |
